WELLNESS

But there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

— Mumford and Sons

Long before #flowercrowns were trendy, there was a woman who placed herself among the flowers. Katie Hess, founder of Lotus Wei has devoted her life to the study of flower essences and their holistic healing properties. If you've ever spent any time with Katie, or even attended any of her online seminars, it's clear how passionate and unwavering she is about helping people alleviate their suffering and how much she wants to educate the masses about the transformative powers of flowers. She has a presence that is humble and unassuming, yet distinctly powerful in her own quite intuitive way. I've always been so drawn to the Lotus Wei lifestyle and have a go-to stash of various anointing oils and serums (Joy Juice was my first favorite!) so you can imagine my delight when the Lotus Wei team offered me a choice of one of the new single flower elixirs to try in celebration of Katie's much anticipated book release, Flower Evolution.

But how to choose just ONE? Each elixir had benefits that anyone could enjoy -- night-blooming cereus to activate fearlessness, gardenia for a shift in perception, fire star orchid for wild creativity! After carefully reading each of the 48 descriptions, in the end I chose Rhododendron and was immediately drawn to the delicate pink flower clusters. Rhododendron activates compassion, with a message to "be kind to yourself." It embodies the rich warmth, love and understanding that a mother has for her child.

When I first began incorporating the elixir into my water (5 drops, taken 5 times per day) I was in my first trimester, pregnant for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by the life shifts coming my way. And yet, even though I had not met this little wonder, I already understood what a mother's love felt like -- that stable, enduring, unconditional kind of love which dissolves fear. I also understood that in order to love my child completely, I would have to love myself, mother myself, and be compassionate with my body as it began to change.

Now, in my final trimester, which I'm lovingly calling the "home stretch" -- stretch being the operative word -- I am understanding the subtle shifting effects of the Rhododendron elixir. The act of adding these golden drops to my drink each day reminded me to stop, to be grateful for the precious present moment, and to be kind to myself. I've prioritized self care in a way that is deeply nourishing. I've been more patient with my body, I have never felt more radiantly beautiful in my own skin, and I cannot wait to meet our sweet baby girl (fueled by pink flowers!) It's such an honor to play a part in this flower evolution, although, it could also be called a flower revolution... a movement of people taking back their lives, not through medications filled at a pharmacy, but through the time honored wisdom of the earth and by becoming more in tune with the rhythms of their own feelings.

I'm SO thrilled for Katie Hess and the Lotus Wei team and congratulate them on creating the most beautiful book! The photography by Louie Schwartzberg is absolutely stunning and the content from Katie is filled with wisdom, joy and truth. It will make a gorgeous addition to any well-curated coffee table or wellness library and is a thoughtful holiday gift for anyone who ever wanted to bloom into the full expression of their true Self!

Order Flower Evolution HERE and be entered to win a bevy of amazing prizes (from a 2-night stay at a luxury resort in AZ, $1000 Lotus Wei shopping spree, to a personal 1-on-1 consultation with the flower expert herself!) Pre-order today!